Description
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic, comforting dish made of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of seasoned meat and rice, then slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is warm, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings.
Introduction
For generations, stuffed cabbage rolls have been a symbol of home-style cooking. The combination of soft cabbage, flavorful meat, and aromatic sauce creates a hearty meal that feels both rustic and elegant. Whether you’re new to making cabbage rolls or already love this classic recipe, this version is simple, reliable, and full of delicious flavor. With a gentle simmering method and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it took hours—yet is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage
- 1 large head of cabbage
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional but adds richness)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Remove the core from the cabbage to loosen the leaves.
Place the entire head of cabbage into the boiling water and blanch it for 2–3 minutes until the outer leaves become soft.
Carefully remove the softened leaves and set them aside. Continue until you have enough leaves for rolling.
2. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix everything together thoroughly until you have a uniform, well-seasoned filling.
If you want a softer texture, knead the mixture gently with your hands for 1–2 minutes.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Lay a cabbage leaf flat on your work surface.
Place a generous spoonful of filling in the center.
Fold the sides of the leaf over the meat, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to form a neat bundle.
Tuck in any loose edges so the filling stays secure during cooking.
4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth.
Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The sauce should be fragrant and slightly thick.
5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls
Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down into the simmering sauce, arranging them in a snug layer.
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
Let the rolls simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the cabbage to become tender.
The rolls are ready when the meat is fully cooked and the cabbage is soft.
6. Serve
Carefully transfer the cabbage rolls to a serving plate.
Spoon extra tomato sauce over the top for added flavor.
Serve warm with bread, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete, comforting meal.
Conclusion
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. With tender leaves, flavorful filling, and a rich tomato sauce, every bite tastes like a comforting homemade hug. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, reheats beautifully, and is sure to become a family favorite you’ll want to cook again and again. If you’d like variations, serving ideas, or a baked version, just let me know—I’d be happy to help!